Other senior care options in California:

Page 7 of Best Independent Living in California

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 648 independent living communities in CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in CA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
648 homes
Other senior care options in California:

Video Tour: Top-rated Independent Living facilities in California.

Watch this Video to see California's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg Walk Score: 59/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in California. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 104The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in California. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around California

Info below is compiled from the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Harrison Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Pomona
520
Facility 520
CA AVG 104
Rank #16 / 1646
No 45
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
14
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 13
Rank #88 / 1504
84.0% -Congregational Homes, IncorporatedStudio
Vi at La Jolla Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (University City)
783
Facility 783
CA AVG 104
Rank #5 / 1646
No
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #218 / 2058
84
Facility 84
CA AVG 81
Rank #732 / 1475
34
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #1057 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
69.3% -Ccw La Jolla LLC, Cc La Jolla LLC, And Classic Res MgmtSuite / Penthouse / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Vi at Palo Alto
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Palo Alto
876
Facility 876
CA AVG 104
Rank #1 / 1646
No
80
Facility 80
CA AVG 59
Rank #416 / 2058
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #461 / 1475
24
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #846 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
21
Facility 21
CA AVG 13
Rank #362 / 1504
73.1% -Cc Palo Alto LLC And Classic Res. Mgmt. Ltd. Partner1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Reutlinger Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Danville
120
Facility 120
CA AVG 104
Rank #560 / 1646
No
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 59
Rank #1717 / 2058
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #649 / 1475
27
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #886 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
65.0% A+Reutlinger Community, The And Eskaton Properties IncStudio / 1 Bed
Canterbury Woods
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Pacific Grove
190
Facility 190
CA AVG 104
Rank #180 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #33 / 1504
72.6% A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Fresno
652
Facility 652
CA AVG 104
Rank #9 / 1646
Yes 57
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
20
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #105 / 1504
57.2% A+Humangood & Humangood Norcal & Humangood Fresno-
Webster House
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Palo Alto (Crescent Park)
54
Facility 54
CA AVG 104
Rank #1116 / 1646
Yes
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 59
Rank #171 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
7
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1504
90.7% -Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
O‘Connor Woods
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Stockton (Sherwood Manor)
499
Facility 499
CA AVG 104
Rank #23 / 1646
Yes
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 59
Rank #1824 / 2058
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 1475
13
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #326 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #79 / 1504
0-O'connor Woods HousingStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
University Retirement Community
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
SNF
Davis (West Davis)
500
Facility 500
CA AVG 104
Rank #22 / 1646
No 54
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
15
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #526 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #478 / 1434
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #155 / 1504
0-Univer Retire Com At Davis/Pacific Retire Services1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Vineyards – California Armenian Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Fresno (Roosevelt)
412
Facility 412
CA AVG 104
Rank #27 / 1646
Yes
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 59
Rank #1795 / 2058
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #408 / 1475
18
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #759 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
41
Facility 41
CA AVG 13
Rank #36 / 1504
54.1% -California Home For The Aged IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Spring Lake Village
IL
NH
AL
MC
Santa Rosa (Melita)
679
Facility 679
CA AVG 104
Rank #8 / 1646
Yes
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 59
Rank #1924 / 2058
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #563 / 1475
14
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #652 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #724 / 1434
40
Facility 40
CA AVG 13
Rank #42 / 1504
0A+Front Porch Communities And Services1 Bed / 2 Bed
Town & Country
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Santa Ana (East Memory Lane)
328
Facility 328
CA AVG 104
Rank #45 / 1646
Yes 67
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 81
Rank #1332 / 1475
39
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #1237 / 1388
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 3
Rank #1157 / 1434
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 13
Rank #22 / 1504
32.9% A+Christian And Missionary Alliance-
Hillcrest Care
IL
AL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Arrowhead Farms
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 104
Rank #1319 / 1646
Yes
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 59
Rank #1732 / 2058
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 81
Rank #1 / 1475
5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
19
Facility 19
CA AVG 13
Rank #423 / 1504
100.0% -Angelita Perez-
Bayshire Torrey Pines
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
San Diego (Carmel Valley)
125
Facility 125
CA AVG 104
Rank #525 / 1646
Yes
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 59
Rank #383 / 2058
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 81
Rank #123 / 1475
7
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #443 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
84.8% A+Hartfield Care LLC-
Ararat Gardens
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Glendale (Somerset)
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 104
Rank #234 / 1646
Yes
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 59
Rank #267 / 2058
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 81
Rank #964 / 1475
22
12
Facility 12
CA AVG 13
Rank #920 / 1388
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #1011 / 1434
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1234 / 1504
46.3% -Ararat Home Of Los Angeles, IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage
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Overview of Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton

Burrowed in the quiet area of Contra Costa County, Pleasanton, CA, Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton is a distinctive senior living community that offers independent living and long-term care. Beautiful and spacious accommodations await residents, providing them utmost comfort and privacy. Residents enjoy a hassle-free living with housekeeping, linen, maintenance, and transportation handled by a dedicated team.

The community warrants quick assistance during times of needs or emergencies with 24-hour emergency call systems installed within the community. A variety of regularly conducted activities make residents’ lives more enjoyable and interesting, complemented with plenty of delightful amenities. Residents enjoy access to a woodworking shop, movie theater, pickleball & tennis, garden center, and art studio for exploration, entertainment, or picking up new skills.

Contact Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton

Overview of Freedom Village Retirement Community

Experience a better quality of life at Freedom Village Retirement Community, a dedicated life plan community in Lake Forest, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. A kind and highly trained team provides top-notch care tailored to residents’ unique needs around the clock to ensure their comfort and safety. Beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring residents can feel a sense of belonging during their stay.

Here, residents will not feel lonely with a thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging events and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delightful and healthy dining options. The community’s wide range of care and state-of-the-art amenities create the perfect setting for a blissful retirement.

Contact Freedom Village Retirement Community

Overview of Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez

Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez is an outstanding senior living community in Contra Costa County, Pleasant Hill, CA. offering independent living and assisted living. The community guarantees residents’ safety and security with 24-hour team members availability and emergency call system. Residents are free from the common worries of daily living with housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and utilities handled by a dedicated team within the community.

There’s always something going on with fitness classes, live music, and educational seminars, regularly conducted by the community. Convenient access to onsite physical therapy and invigorating fitness programs for all abilities, ensure residents are always on top of their health and wellness. Exquisite restaurant-style dining is made possible by a culinary team that carefully prepares delicious and health conscious meals.

Contact Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez

Overview of Laguna Senior Apartments

The Laguna, a serene independent living community, situated in the idyllic Sunset Junction beckons senior citizens to indulge in the glorious Californian lifestyle. The home boasts stunning indigenous plants, creating a refreshing landscape that adds a touch of airy feel to the property. Its apartments are designed with keen attention to detail and boast ample lighting, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. With a wide variety of affordable 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans, residents can choose an abode that resonates with their personalities. 

The four-story building encompasses expansive common areas, replete with a laundry room and outdoor patios, perfect for basking in the sun and enjoying the balmy breeze. The air is pure and clean since the community is entirely smoke-free, allowing seniors to relish the invigorating atmosphere. The parking garage and four stories offer a panoramic view of Myrna Avenue, where the sun deck adds a pop of color and excitement throughout the year. 

Contact Laguna Senior Apartments

Atria Covina

Atria Covina, 825 W San Bernardino Rd, Covina, CA 91722
Overview of Atria Covina

Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood in Covina, California, inside Los Angeles County, Atria Covina is a premier senior living community that accommodates different levels of care needs by providing active independent living and assisted living options. Atria Covina offers its residents a wide range of amenities, including housekeeping, chef-prepared meals, and concierge support, all of which are provided by a committed team of people who work around the clock.

Atria Covina strives to improve residents’ quality of life by providing caring assistance and interesting amenities. The neighborhood has walking trails, a patio, outdoor grilling, a private dining area, off-site pool access, a library, a salon, and a game room. Atria Covina is pet-friendly, has Wi-Fi in open spaces, and offers daily opportunities for social, cultural, educational, and physical fitness, making it a perfect senior living community for those wishing to live a vibrant and fulfilling retirement.

Contact Atria Covina

Overview of Eskaton Village Grass Valley

Nestled in the scenic town of Grass Valley, CA, Eskaton Village Grass Valley provides a premier senior living experience within a vibrant 42-acre community. Residents can choose from a range of independent living, assisted living, and memory care options, with thoughtfully designed floor plans tailored to their lifestyles. With a dedicated team available around the clock, Eskaton Village fosters a supportive environment where residents can stay active, secure, and fully at ease.

The community offers amenities that promote both wellness and enjoyment, including a fitness center with a heated indoor pool, a full-service beauty salon, and two libraries. Residents can savor nutritious, chef-prepared meals in a welcoming dining space and enjoy a variety of recreational and social outings. At Eskaton Village, each day brings opportunities for connection, comfort, and peace of mind in a warm and engaging community.

Contact Eskaton Village Grass Valley

Overview of Atria Valley View

Overlooking the scenic Rossmoor Parkway, Walnut Creek, CA, Atria Valley View is a remarkable senior living community that provides independent living and assisted living. The community offers well-designed floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Experience a comfortable and worry-free life with Atria Valley View.

Atria Valley View fosters a warm and cozy environment, providing its residents with round-the-clock care and assistance tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Moreover, the community ensures that seniors are well taken care of with on-site physical therapy, and occupational therapy, alongside educational, social, cultural, and fitness programs. Residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals in the private dining room or the outdoor dining space. Amenities include an outdoor grill, a library, a movie theater, a cognitive learning center, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a beautiful garden, a courtyard, and walking paths.

Contact Atria Valley View

Overview of Atria Grass Valley

Nestled amid the serene Sierra Nevada Mountains in Grass Valley, CA, Atria Grass Valley provides exceptional Assisted Living and Memory Care options for seniors in Northeast California. The community features spacious studio, 1 and 2-bedroom senior apartment homes, or a two-bedroom cottage equipped with modern conveniences designed for residents’ comfort. Each living option includes an emergency alert system, housekeeping, and linen services so residents can spend their time enjoying the things they love to do.

Atria Grass Valley is dedicated to fostering an active and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents., providing residents plenty of opportunities for engagement and socialization, including planned transportation for local activities, a full-service hairdresser, and a media room. With amenities like resident gardens, fitness centers, and private dining, the community ensures its residents maintain an enriching lifestyle. Atria Grass Valley strives to offer a warm and encouraging community where members can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.

Contact Atria Grass Valley

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea

Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea is a trusted senior living community set in Manchester Avenue, Cardiff by the Sea, CA, providing assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Take in the picturesque scenery with elegant and spacious residences with a wide array of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The community is committed to delivering top-tier care, adapting to seniors’ ever-changing needs, and supporting them throughout their journey.

With its spot near mesmerizing attractions and convenient amenities, seniors are given the time to explore with friends and ensure their needs are within a few steps away. The community strives to meet seniors’ dietary needs and cater to their tastes with healthy and delicious meals. With its scenic campus surrounded by an inviting community and breathtaking amenities, Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea is a haven for seniors to spend wondrous golden years.

Contact Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea

Overview of Westmont of Cypress

Located in the neighborhood of Cypress, CA, Westmont of Cypress is a remarkable senior living community that offers various care levels, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Inspired to offer a resort-style living experience, the community features an array of carefully designed accommodations with on-site maintenance for a carefree lifestyle. A dependable care team is available to provide various care and support should residents need it, helping them maintain their independence and peace of mind.

Fostering lifelong learning, community engagement, and personal satisfaction, the community offers a wide range of amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, bistro, theater, and therapy services. Residents find enrichment and entertainment from the community’s vibrant activities and events. Carefully prepared meals are also served daily to make sure residents always have the energy for an active everyday life.

Contact Westmont of Cypress

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in California

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 648 independent living communities in California. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in California?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in California, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in California?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.